Chapter Thirty.

Chapter Thirty.


The wind howled through the towering trees as Kaidon and Rylan soared through the dense forest, their powers slicing through the air like shadows.

Their movements were swift, fluid—leaping from thick branches to high canopies, nothing but blurs against the darkening sky.

Leaves scattered in their wake. Birds screeched and flew away from the force of their energy.

After several minutes of intense speed and silence, they descended—landing soundlessly on solid ground, deep within the heart of the forest.

Kaidon straightened his coat and scanned the area, his eyes already glowing faintly with unease.

“What’s the emergency?” he snapped, his tone sharp. “Why did you bring me all the way out here, Rylan?”

Rylan didn’t answer. He gave Kaidon a quick glance before turning and heading toward the thick underbrush.

“Follow me, please.”

Kaidon stalked after him, shoving aside tangled vines with little care. The path curved, grew narrow—then suddenly burst open into a clearing.

And that’s when Kaidon saw it.

His boots froze mid-step.

An old temple—hidden deep in the forest, once radiant with ancient protection spells and spiritual peace—was now a shattered ruin.

Its once-elegant stone pillars were broken and twisted, the intricate carvings reduced to rubble. The massive arch that used to stand at the entrance had collapsed entirely, leaving jagged remnants piercing out of the ground like broken bones.

And beside it, the waterfall that once shimmered like crystal—now slowed to a mere trickle, the stream below it murky and barely alive.

“I wanted you to see this for yourself.” Rylan said quietly, his voice low and grim.

Kaidon’s jaw clenched as he stepped forward, the weight of the destruction settling into his chest.

“Who did this?” he demanded, his tone dark.

“We don’t know for certain.” Rylan replied, his eyes narrowing.

“But… some of the guards on the northern post claim they saw someone. A man—tall, cloaked. With glowing golden eyes and platinum hair.”

Kaidon’s entire body went still.

He knew that description. Knew it like he knew his own cursed blood.

“Alaric.” Kaidon said bitterly, almost spitting the name. His hands fisted by his sides, the energy around him pulsing with rage. “He dares step into my land…”

“Is anyone hurt?” he asked, though his voice was already colder.

“Thankfully, no.” Rylan answered.

“It happened in the middle of the night. There were only a few council workers around the outer sector. But the sacred council scrolls, the altar markings—they’re gone. Burned. And the connection between this place and Eldoria…” He gestured to the drying waterfall. “Something’s disrupting the flow.”

Kaidon turned his gaze toward the distant mountains—toward Eldoria. His red eyes narrowed, hatred brewing like a storm.

He could feel it in his gut—Alaric was taunting him. Testing the edge of the sword. Waiting.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Rylan said cautiously. “But don’t rush in. Not yet.”

Kaidon didn’t respond. His mind was already spinning with fury and possibilities. His grip on control was thin.

“Kaidon.” Rylan continued, stepping closer. “If he’s trying to draw you out, then acting now might be what he wants. Especially after you showed up in Eldoria for her.”

Kaidon turned his head slowly, eyes burning as they locked with Rylan’s.

“He touches her, I’ll rip his soul in two.”

Rylan nodded slowly, understanding the threat wasn’t empty.

“I dont think he knows just yet. You know a cursed blood goes crazy when a carrier is around. So we just wait..”

Kaidon stared at the broken temple again, and something twisted in his chest.

Not fear. Not pain.

Just rage.

“Double the border patrols. Triple them near the Eldoria line.” Kaidon ordered tightly.

“And find out exactly how he got in without me sensing it.”

“Yes, Master.” Rylan replied, bowing slightly.

Kaidon took one last look at the ruins.

Alaric had made his move.

♤♤♤

Taliya's steps were light, almost playful, as she strolled through the castle courtyard, her eyes wide with curiosity—but beneath that soft smile was sharp calculation.

Every flower she leaned into, every tree she touched, every corner she paused at—it wasn’t for beauty.

She was taking mental notes.

How high is that fence? How many guards at the east wing? Can I run across the garden fast enough without being seen?

She’d stop occasionally to bend toward a flower, pretending to admire its color or inhale its scent, but her eyes were constantly moving, scanning escape routes, checking the guard rotations, memorizing the terrain.

Be smart, Taliya. Don’t rush. Learn everything first.

She walked a bit further and found herself at a new path.

It curved behind a cluster of marble statues and tall hedges—and led straight toward a shadowed opening between two massive stone columns. Her eyes locked onto it.

A forest.

Thick, dark, wild.

Taliya's heart skipped. That could be it. My way out.

There were no visible guards near that path, and it looked forgotten, untamed. Her pulse picked up in hope.

“Ahem,” she said softly, turning toward Lenora, who was just a few steps behind her. “Lenora, where does that path lead to?”

She pointed toward the edge of the forest.

Lenora followed her gaze, then gave a small, almost nervous smile. “Oh, that? That’s the beastlands.”

Taliya blinked. “The what?”

“It’s where Master keeps a few demon beasts. Ones he enjoys hunting or training with.”

Taliya’s smile dropped. “Wait… what?”

“Yes.” Lenora nodded like she was just casually mentioning a storm.

“We’re not allowed to go down there. No servants, no guards. It’s very dangerous. But…” she paused, “it does lead to another town eventually. I’ve heard whispers. But no one ever dares to try. Master said even the air down there is cursed.”

Taliya’s stomach tightened as she slowly looked back at the forest.

It was quiet.

Too quiet.

The trees were dense, black-barked, towering like guardians.

The wind seemed to hush the moment it touched that side of the land.

She could feel the chill even from here, like something ancient lived within the shadows.

Still… it was a way out.

Dangerous, yes. Possibly fatal, yes. But the only real chance she had.

She stared into the mouth of the forest, lips parting slightly as thoughts flooded her mind.

Can I risk it? Can I outrun a demon beast? I mean i did the first.

Can I even survive in that cursed place alone again?

But then she remembered Jex’s smile. Elara’s hug. Her laughter with friends. Her parent. The way her life used to feel. Safe. Warm. Normal.

“I have to try.” she whispered under her breath.

“Hm?” Lenora tilted her head.

Taliya quickly smiled. “Oh, nothing. Just wondering how Master finds it fun to fight beasts for sport.”

Lenora laughed softly. “He says they calm his mind.”

Of course he does, Taliya thought bitterly. Psychopath.

But she turned away from the forest, feigning disinterest, even as her heart was already racing with plans.

Her hands clenched by her side, her chest tight with a mix of fear and determination.

I don’t care if it’s cursed. I don’t care if there are beasts. I’d rather take my chances there… than become someone’s Carrier for a demon child.

She walked on, her mind spinning. She would wait, learn more, pretend to obey, pretend to smile, and when the time was right…

She’d run.

Even if it killed her.